NCT06894745 · Robert Flavell, MD, PhD
PET [89Zr]DFO-starPEG in Solid Tumors
What this study is about
This is a first-in-human, pilot study of the novel PET-imaging radiotracer \[89Zr\]DFO-starPEG. The study is designed to obtain preliminary data to support future development of this agent as an imaging surrogate to visualize enhanced permeability and retention (EPR)-mediated tracer uptake before administration of EPR-based nanomedicines.
View original scientific description
This is a first-in-human, pilot study of the novel PET-imaging radiotracer \[89Zr\]DFO-starPEG. The study is designed to obtain preliminary data to support future development of this agent as an imaging surrogate to visualize enhanced permeability and retention (EPR)-mediated tracer uptake before administration of EPR-based nanomedicines.
Interventions
DRUG
89-zr-dfo-star polyethylene glycol (StarPEG)
Given intravenously (IV)
PROCEDURE
Whole Body Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Imaging procedure
PROCEDURE
Specimen Collection
Urine and blood specimens will be collected for correlative studies
Primary outcome measures
Median Maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax) by cohort
Time frame: Up to 9 days
The median and range for intra-tumoral SUVmax within metastatic lesions will be descriptively reported, to assess for intra-tumoral heterogeneity and differences in uptake by site of disease.
Tumor-to-background signal ratio (muscle)
Time frame: Up to 9 days
Adjusted SUVmax data will be averaged across up to 15 lesions within a given patient (SUVmax-avg). VOI will also be placed around the aortic blood pool and paraspinal musculature. Tumor to muscle SUV ratios will be calculated by dividing tumoral SUV by muscle SUV, respectively
Tumor-to-background signal ratio (blood)
Time frame: Up to 9 days
Adjusted SUVmax data will be averaged across up to 15 lesions within a given patient (SUVmax-avg). VOI will also be placed around the aortic blood pool and paraspinal musculature. Tumor to blood SUV ratios will be calculated by dividing tumoral SUV by blood SUV.
Mean absorbed dose of PET [89Zr]DFO-starPEG (Cohort A)
Time frame: Up to 9 days
Volumes of interest (VOIs) will be drawn around regions identified on the scans that exhibits clearly elevated uptake over the background. Time-activity curves will be generated for each organ, and curve-fitting will be performed to derive the time-integrated activity coefficients (TIACs, also known as residence times). TIACs will be entered into the OLINDA software. The results from all participants in the dosimetry cohort will be combined to allow the calculation of mean, standard deviation (SD), and range of radiation-absorbed doses to individual organs as well as effective dose.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age \>= 18 years.
- Histological or cytological confirmation of solid tumor malignancy.
- Any malignancy, with at least one soft tissue lesion measurable at 1 centimeter (cm) or greater in short axis measurement on cross sectional imaging such as Computerized tomography (CT), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT, OR at least 1 lesion which is positive (defined as greater than surrounding background) in the bones on standard of care cancer imaging PET exam.
- Clinically able to undergo PET/CT imaging.
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of ≤ 2 or Karnofsky ≥ 50%.
- Adequate organ function as defined below within 0-28 days before \[89Zr\]DFO-starPEG administration:
- Total bilirubin: ≤ 1.5 x institutional upper limit of normal (ULN) (unless elevated due to Gilbert's syndrome and direct bilirubin is within normal limits) .
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) ≤ 3 x ULN.
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/ serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) ≤ 3 x ULN.
- Estimated creatinine clearance: ≥ 60 mL/min, calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation or 24 hour urine collection.
- Females of reproductive potential (defined below) must be willing to undergo a urine or serum pregnancy test (i.e., human chorionic gonadotropin test) within 72 hours before administration of \[89Zr\]DFO-starPEG. A female is considered to NOT be of reproductive potential (regardless of sexual orientation, having undergone a tubal ligation, or remaining celibate by choice), if they meet either of the following two criteria: (1) has reached a postmenopausal state (≥ 12 continuous months of amenorrhea with no identified cause other than menopause); or (2) has undergone surgical sterilization (i.e., hysterectomy and/or bilateral oophorectomy for removal of uterus and/or ovaries). The result of the urine or serum pregnancy test must be negative in order to initiate the \[89Zr\]DFO-starPEG administration. If a urine pregnancy test cannot be confirmed as negative (e.g., an ambiguous result), a serum pregnancy test is required. In such cases, the individual must be excluded from participation if the serum pregnancy result is positive. Pregnant individuals are excluded from this study because there is an unknown but potential risk for adverse effects in the unborn child secondary to treatment of the study participant with \[89Zr\]DFO-starPEG.
- Individuals with a prior or concurrent malignancy whose natural history or treatment does not have the potential to interfere with the safety or endpoints of this study are eligible.
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion criteria
- Individuals with a contraindication to PET-CT imaging (e.g., severe claustrophobia).
- Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Pregnant and breastfeeding/chestfeeding individuals are excluded because there is an unknown but potential risk for adverse effects in the unborn/nursing child secondary to treatment of the study participant with \[89Zr\]DFO-starPEG. Females of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test before administration of \[89Zr\]DFO-starPEG, as outlined in inclusion criterion #7. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding should be discontinued before administration of \[89Zr\]DFO-starPEG.
- Individuals who do not agree to follow the below contraception requirements:
- Females of reproductive potential (defined below) must agree to use two forms of contraception, consisting of a barrier method (such as condoms) in combination with a secondary complementary method (such as hormonal, intrauterine device (IUD), etc.), or strict abstinence, for the duration of study participation and for 1 month after administration of \[89Zr\]DFO-starPEG.
- A female is considered to NOT be of reproductive potential (regardless of sexual orientation, having undergone a tubal ligation, or remaining celibate by choice), if they meet either of the following two criteria: (1) has reached a postmenopausal state (≥ 12 continuous months of amenorrhea with no identified cause other than menopause); or (2) has undergone surgical sterilization (i.e., hysterectomy and/or bilateral oophorectomy for removal of uterus and/or ovaries).
- Hypersensitivity to \[89Zr\]DFO-starPEG or any of its excipients.
- Individuals with any condition or social circumstance that, in the opinion of the investigator, would impair the participant's ability to comply with study procedures.
Where
- San Francisco, California
Collaborators
ProLynx LLC, National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations